On Tuesday, March 25, 2014, State Treasurer Curtis Loftis presented a $1,800 scholarship check to Emily Knudson, the winner of the 2013 SC Junior Duck Stamp contest. The scholarship check presented by Treasurer Loftis will be used to directly support her Future Scholar 529 account, which is administered by the State Treasurer’s Office.

State Treasurer Loftis said, “As State Treasurer, it is my responsibility to administer our top-rated 529 Future Scholar plan, and it was a great privilege to present a scholarship check that directly impacts a student’s Future Scholar 529 account, which offers affordability and opportunities for college savings.”

“As the cost of higher education continues to rise, I commend East Cooper Ducks Unlimited and Southeastern Wildlife Exposition for their partnership in this annual contest that not only teaches students the importance of conservation but assists students with saving for college,” he continued.

At the 16th Annual Ducks Unlimited Southeastern Wildlife Oyster Roast on February 15, 2014, Ducks Unlimited auctioned two of Miss Knudson’s pieces raising $1,800 to create the 529 Future Scholar College Savings account for Emily. Steve Johnson, CIO of Broad Street Capital Management and a member of Ducks Unlimited, offered to serve as Emily’s advisor for the Advisor Sold Plan free of charge. The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition administers the SC Junior Duck Stamp Contest in partnership with the East Cooper Chapter of Ducks Unlimited. The Junior Duck Stamp Contest is an annual competition that provides opportunities for students to learn and understand wildlife and nature conservation and create artwork to promote conservation efforts.

South Carolina’s Future Scholar 529 plan is one of the top-rated college saving plans in the country and has earned the highest rating of FIVE CAPS from savingforcollege.com. Future Scholar has more than 100,000 accounts and $1.8 billion under management. To learn more about the Future Scholar 529 plan, visit treasurer.sc.gov/futurescholar or contact a financial advisor.